Topic: W56-A vs. W56-B

[blackdiamond]

I am looking to order a short throw shifter for my 4Runner and can't figure out the difference between a W56-A and a W56-B.  I have not identified any visual difference in the transmission pictures.  The W56-A is listed for an 1985 application and the W56-B is listed for 1986-1988.  My 4Runner is technically a 1989, but I already know that it requires a 1988 air filter as the 1989 application wasn't even close.  I think it's safe to get the short throw shifter for the W56-B, but thought I'd at least ask the question.

 

[emsvitil]

The only difference between the A and B is that the center plate between the 2 halves of the tranny is Aluminum for A and Iron for B.

For an 89, I'd visually verify that it's not a C (or other) and wouldn't rely on what air filter I'm using.     

What does the data plate say it is?

[blackdiamond [OP]]

The only difference between the A and B is that the center plate between the 2 halves of the tranny is Aluminum for A and Iron for B.

For an 89, I'd visually verify that it's not a C (or other) and wouldn't rely on what air filter I'm using.     

What does the data plate say it is?

The C and D have the t-case shifter in the transmission housing and mine definitely does not.

Is there something on the transmission itself that would identify it or are you talking about the VIN?

[Mudder]

The Marlin part numbers are the same for both the A and B kit.

[OTO Phil]

Take a picture and send it in to the Marlin support email. That's how I figured out mine.. trust me you tell them that you wanna drop a few bills on a short throw kit, they'll be happy to figure out what kind you need

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

[Mudder]

If the transfer case handle doesn't share the same plate as the gear than it's not a W56C. It's an A or B as long as it's known to be a w56. Which can be verified based on the ribs on the side of the transmission.

[blackdiamond [OP]]

If the transfer case handle doesn't share the same plate as the gear than it's not a W56C. It's an A or B as long as it's known to be a w56.

No doubt that it's an A or B, just couldn't find any reason for the short throw shifter to have separate applications unless there was a difference other than the  center plate.

[emsvitil]

The A,B,C..... designation was invented by Marlin.

The data plate will only say W56

Just look at the pictures...

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/rebuilt-complete.

What's the build date?   (door-jamb)

[Mudder]

C's have a single plate with it being a forward shift.

[blackdiamond [OP]]

The A,B,C..... designation was invented by Marlin.

The data plate will only say W56

Just look at the pictures...

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/rebuilt-complete.

What's the build date?   (door-jamb)

I have been looking at the pictures and it's either an A or B without a doubt.

Build date is 2/89
Transmission is W56

If the only difference between the A and B is the center plate I am curious why the short throw shifter has separate applications for the A and B.  That's what made me think there might be a function difference in how the shifter would work.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/shifter-parts
 

[blackdiamond [OP]]

 

The listed part number is the same for both short throw shifters...

 

[emsvitil]

Now I get it............

The pickups changed in 89,  the 4runner changed in 90.

So the 89 4runner would have the same running gear as an 88 pickup.   (Probably accounts for air cleaner too)